GROWTH ASSESSMENT OF EXOTIC SUGAR BEET VARIETIES IN SOUTHERN-ZONE OF SINDH

Abstract

Ten hybrid exotic sugar beet varieties were tested under four locations in southern-zone of Sindh during 2009-10. Experiments was in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated thrice. Seeds were planted on top of the ridges by using 2-3 seeds per hole. Plant to plant and row to row space was maintained at 20 and 100 cm, respectively. Nitrogen (120 kg ha-1) and phosphorus (100 kg ha-1) applied in the form of Urea and DAP, while the potassium was excluded completely. The values of physico-chemical properties of experimental soils were in a wide range. The soils were slightly alkaline in nature (pH 7.68-8.46) with 1.66-8.78 dSm-1 EC, 3.62-7.84 ppm available phosphorus, 128-364 ppm available potassium, 5.50-60.54 meq L-1 exchangeable sodium, 11-51.4 meq L-1 soluble calcium + magnesium. The textural class was clay-clay loam. The germination (74 %) was higher at location Hussainy Agricultural Farm Matiari. The yield was higher at NSTHRI Thatta, Ramesh Agricultural Farm Sujawal and Hussainy Agricultural Farm Matiari, all were statistically at par (60.41 to 62.57 t ha-1). The sugar recovery was higher (14.44 %) at RAF Sujawal. Among varieties, the germination percent was statistically at par for all varieties (67.26-70.75 %) except the Esteban and California (66.25-66.76 %). The higher sugar beet yield (64.03 t ha-1) was noted in SD-12970, however the varieties Sandrina, SD-PAK 07/07 and SD-PAK 09/07 were statistical at par with the variety SD-12970. Maximum sugar recovery of 13.88 % was noted in SD-PAK 07/07. The varieties Antek, SD-PAK 04/06 and SD-PAK 09/07 were statistically likewise with SD-PAK 07/07. The growth performance of Antek, California, SD12970, SD-PAK 09/07 and SD-PAK 07/07 found better under climatic condition of southern-zone of Sinsh